The Numbers

It was the fourth Sunday in Advent 2009 and John the Baptizer would have been pleased. While John appeared in the Lectionary reading the previous Sunday, he appeared to be present at St. Andrews (Church of Central Africa Presbyterian) on this Sunday before Christmas. The 8:00 a.m. English service was a “pre-Christmas rally” led by the Christian Youth Fellowship. But the 10:00 a.m. Tumbuka service was a celebration of adult and infant baptism. There were a little fewer than 1,000 in attendance at the English service.

Here are the numbers for the Tumbuka service:
1,200 In attendance
30 Minutes for the sermon
45 Young people confirmed
44 Adults baptized
36 Infants baptized
3 Hours for the service
2 Ministers leading the service
1 Caucasian present at the service

Fortunately John the Baptist was not invited to preach. His “Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?” sermon isn’t exactly welcoming. And, of course, this was not John’s baptism but baptism "In the name (mu zina) of the Father (wa Dada), and the son (na la Mwana) and the Holy Spirit (na la Mzimu Mtuwa) one God (Chiuta yumoza ). Amen!"

One God, one faith, one baptism, one church! Paul the Presbyterian was privileged to baptize 22 of the adults and 18 of the babies, and he still thinks that John the Baptist would have been pleased.